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Dec 9, 2025
Steven Tougher Award Debuts at NSW Ambulance Honors
Mirage News
A dedicated, compassionate and highly capable paramedic has been awarded the inaugural Steven Tougher Award for Personal and Professional Development at a special ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park today.
The distinguished award has been introduced this year to honour the life and legacy of paramedic Steven Tougher who tragically died while on duty in 2023. It will be presented annually to a paramedic in their graduating year who demonstrates the same kind, caring qualities as Steven as they start out in the profession he loved.
The 2024-25 winner, Sally Fenton, has been recognised for her exceptional growth, commitment to learning and willingness to help others.
Steven's wife Madison Tougher, who presented the award named in her husband's honour, said it was a touching tribute that would make their children Kobi and Lily-Mae proud.
Around 100 NSW Ambulance staff from across NSW have also been recognised for their unwavering service and dedication at the end-of-year awards ceremony.
Among the award recipients were critical care paramedics Marty Thomson and Stuart Gourlay, who were presented with the prestigious Commissioner's Valour Medal - NSW Ambulance's highest bravery award recognising distinguished performance of duties in circumstances of extreme peril.
In August 2024, the pair was winched down from a rescue helicopter, then abseiled 100 metres down a sheer cliff face, to treat a critically injured abseiler at Tom Thumb Climb in the Blue Mountains.
With the narrow ledge only able to accommodate one of them along with the patient, they took turns hanging suspended in their harnesses to deliver continuous care for 17 hours until they could help facilitate a successful daylight rescue.
The NSW Ambulance Employee of the Year Award was presented to paramedic Martin Gibb, a volunteer facilitator who trains Community First Responders (CFR) in the Southern Tablelands town of Captains Flat. His passion for education and improvement has helped boost the performance
